Opinion
Victor Ochei and the 2027 Delta North Equation: The Return of Political Sagacity, Substance and Service
By Austin Edemodu, PhD
As the race for the 2027 Delta North Senatorial District gradually gathers momentum, conversations within political circles and across communities are increasingly tilting towards credibility, competence, and character.
In this unfolding discourse, the name Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei continues to resonate raising fundamental questions about leadership depth, political sagacity, and the future direction of Delta North.
Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei’s political journey is neither accidental nor ornamental. From his early days as the Representative of Aniocha North State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, to his historic emergence as Speaker of the House, Ochei distinguished himself as a leader of uncommon charisma, clarity of purpose, and legislative excellence.
His tenure was defined by inclusiveness, maturity, and a rare detribalized outlook that elevated him above parochial politics.
Widely regarded as focused, versatile, and ideologically grounded, Victor Ochei brought a unique and refreshing ambience into the Delta State political landscape one anchored on selfless service, progressiveness, and bridge-building across ethnic, political, and social divides. These attributes did not go unnoticed.
This was evident during the 2015 Delta State gubernatorial primaries, one of the most fiercely contested in the state’s political history. In a field crowded with heavyweights, Ochei polled an impressive 185 votes, finishing third behind Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (406 votes) and Chief David Edbvie (299 votes). That performance underscored his statewide acceptability, political structure, and the confidence reposed in him by party delegates across Delta State.
True to character, Victor Ochei was never perturbed by the outcome of the primaries. Instead of retreating into political obscurity, he demonstrated uncommon courage and conviction by contesting the Delta North Senatorial election under the Accord Party, challenging the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi of the PDP. Though unsuccessful, his loss was not a verdict on popularity or relevance, but rather a reflection of the realities of power play and the overwhelming weight of a hegemonic political structure at the time.
Remarkably, years after that contest, Victor Ochei’s grassroots appeal remains intact. His political capital has not diminished; rather, it has matured. He remains accessible, connected to the people, and deeply invested in community development qualities that resonate strongly with today’s politically conscious electorate.
Beyond politics, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei embodies substance. An Engineer, a Lawyer, and a sports enthusiast, he represents a rare blend of intellect, professionalism, and human empathy. His public service credentials extend to the federal level, where he served with distinction as Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) a role that demanded strategic thinking, administrative discipline, and national outlook. He is currently the President of Nigeria Tennis Federation, a position he attained through selfless investment in sports over the years.
Indeed, Victor Ochei’s years of commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and women inclusion speak volumes. These are not campaign slogans, but lived experiences that have earned him respect beyond party lines.
As Delta North approaches another critical electoral crossroads in 2027 with formidable contenders such as former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko in the race, the district is presented with a defining choice. Experience versus innovation. Familiar power structures versus progressive, people-centered leadership.
In this context, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei stands as a compelling alternative, a political juggernaut whose credentials are rooted in service, whose appeal cuts across demographics, and whose vision aligns with the aspirations of a new generation of voters.
Does Victor Ochei deserve another shot at the Delta North Senatorial seat in 2027?
The answer is resounding yes.
In the era where credibility matters more than clout, and service outweighs symbolism, Victor Onyekachi Ochei represents not just continuity, but renewal, a tested hand with temperament, competence and moral authority to effectively represent Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly. As the political drums get louder: Victor Ochei remains an iconic figure prepared and ready.
Austin Edemodu, PhD
Opinion
RE: BLAIR “HAS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER” OVER SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN WHILE ADVISING NIGERIA
(A rejoinder to Gordon Rayner’s article of October 18,2026 in the Telegraph, UK
By Kehinde Bamigbetan
After reading this article, particularly the denials from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and the Federal Government of Nigeria, one is bound to question the editorial judgment that gives this piece any value.
In short, what did Gordon Rainer set out to do with this publication? Put a shine on Jupiter’s false and thoroughly empty narrative? Set up a former Prime Minister for blackmail and opprobrium? Or revive a dead case before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes?
Whichever, Rainer presents propositions which swallow their answers. His first argument that Blair might have undermined British national security interests is contradicted by the disclosure that the TBI has no contract to advise the Federal Government of Nigeria.
His second argument, that Jupiter was denied the execution of its licence, is contradicted by the fact that the company is unknown under Nigerian law. Rainer then admits knowing this fact and introduces the company as Jupiter’s partners.
For clarity and the benefit of his readers, these companies—Basin Mining Limited and Range Mining Limited—lost their licences for failing to pay annual service fees. Basin, for instance, owes N1,223,750,000, about £691,368.
The licences were revoked after the companies ignored several notices to fulfil their contractual obligations to the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office. Penalties for non-payment are increasing daily, and the legal process to recover the funds is underway.
Rather than rescue its partners by paying their fees and penalties or allow the international settlement court to determine its case, Jupiter has mounted an international self-help campaign of calumny and economic sabotage against the government and people of Nigeria, using methods that threaten Nigeria’s security and diplomatic interests.
We believe Rainer is its latest innocent recruit, hoodwinked into propagating a false narrative by appealing to British national security interests when, in fact, Jupiter’s partners are, under Nigerian law, economic and security risks whose continued defiance of Nigeria’s laws endangers centuries of Britain-Nigeria relations.
The question Rainer should ask: if, indeed, Jupiter has a cast-iron case, why is it shedding crocodile tears and shopping for sympathy with false pretences and narratives?
Let’s give the clue: Jupiter’s promoter, Steve Davis, has leeched on Nigeria’s presidents since 1999 by pretending to be an international mining expert, and he has acquired an ego and assets far out of proportion to his financial and technical status.
He is so comfortable living above the law in Nigeria that compliance with regulatory provisions is a taboo, an affront to his bloated ego as a self-deluded “founder of Nigeria’s modern mining sector.”
Davis had a good time living his ego until Dele Alake became Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development in August 2023 and immediately launched a clean-up of the sector focused on zero-tolerance for non-compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Law 2007, a law that Davis boasts he contributed to making and should set an example by encouraging compliance.
The Minister was shocked that the Nigerian Mining Cadastre had a huge amount of unpaid statutory fees despite the government’s investment in the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (EMC+) automation, which digitised the licensing process and upgraded services to the mining sector.
In line with the law, the minister ensured debtors were duly notified, and defaulters duly gazetted before revoking their licences for flouting the regulation on the payment of annual service fees.
In November 2023, the minister revoked at least 1,663 licences, a decision that showed it was no longer business as usual under the new sheriff in town.
To show the government has a human face, it opened a three-month restitution window to address complaints and feedback indicating cases of extenuating circumstances.
But still basking in the euphoria of an ego that has outlived its era, Davis discouraged his partners from taking advantage of these opportunities for remorse. Instead, he threatened to exploit his global networks to frustrate the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He wasn’t joking. He launched a global disinformation campaign from his native Australia to Canada, from the United States to Europe. However, his lies evaporated as soon as the facts were laid bare.
Davis pulled his most ambitious stunt so far during Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom in March this year, when he polluted the air with narratives designed to set Nigeria against the West by spreading blatant falsehoods and playing the victim.
But, as he found out to his misery, the whole public relations game was dead on arrival. A comprehensive statement clarifying the issues to the highly intelligent British media sent him into the cold.
All we ask is that journalists refer to the eternal maxim of the journalism profession whenever Davis knocks on their door: if in doubt, leave it out.
When a story like this betrays so many contradictions, the rule is not to encourage its spread. Every responsible journalist has the moral duty to kill it.
Kehinde Bamigbetan is a Journalist and Special Adviser to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria
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